ABSTRACT
Contribution to the control of the tomato fruit moth Scrobipalpula absoluta (Meyr.). I. Population studies.

Alfonso Matta V.1 y Renato Ripa S.2
 

The population of Scrobipalpula absoluta (Meyr.) on tomato was studied, by taking samples of vegetation and fruits during the growing season in Quillota, Chi le. This was complemented by adult recovery from a light trap. Insecticide treated plots were used to mea sure the effect of this pest on fruit yield. During the 1971-1972 season, the larval population remained low in November and December, increased slowly in the beginning of January, arid increased up to a maximum in mid February, decreasing after wards. The proportion of attacked fruit varied from 60% to 100%, in mid February, during the years 1971 to 1974. The number of adults captured in December with the light trap, on the 1971-1972 season, was low. It in creased in the beginning of January and reached its maximum in the second part of January. Later on, it decreased tilI late February. A direct relation was observed between the number of aclults catched and the larvae on the fol iage, mdi cating the factibility of practical use of the light trap inforecasting injurious levels of S. absoluta. To avoid the highest attack, an early trasplant of the tomato plant is recommendable.

Keywords:
1 Ing. Agr., M.Sc., Departamento de Agricultura, U. del Norte, Anca, Chile.
2 Ing. Agr., Ph.D., Programa Entomología Aplicada, La Cruz (INIA), Casilla 3, La Cruz, Chile.